A half-hardy shrub with exotic appearance, Punica (Pomegranate) is easiest to grow in areas with mild winters. It's drought and heat tolerant which also makes it a good choice for growing in areas with hot, dry summers or coastal areas with light sandy soil.

Although this shrub is better suited to gardens in warm places and typically can't tolerate temperatures below -5C or regular freezing, it can be grown in colder climates providing it is protected over winter or during cold snaps. Punica is available as a compact variety (Punica 'Uniqa'), and the useful thing about compact varieties is that they can happily grow in containers which gives you the option to easily move them under cover during winter.

How to plant

— Punica are supplied as bare roots in spring for planting between February and May. Bare roots require rehydration after transit and should be attended to soon after delivery. If you can't plant on the day of delivery, remove from the packaging within 1-2 days and place the root in a bucket of water in a sheltered spot outside so it can soak, then plant within a week.

— Soak the roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting. You can plant this bare root shrub directly into a border, providing temperatures are unlikely to fall below -1C, the soil is good quality and the planting space is clear and cultivated. Dig over the area, removing weeds, and then dig a hole large enough to accommodate the bare root so that the whole root system is fully submerged after planting. The stem should remain above the soil surface after planting. Ensure the hole is the correct depth so that the soil is level with the point at which the roots meet the stem.

— If planting direct, improve the soil quality by mixing in some compost or leaf mould to the planting hole. This provides a soft medium and boost of nutrients which will help the roots settle in and grow. Avoid adding manure to the planting hole as this can be too rich and damage the new roots.

— Position the shrub in the hole and backfill with soil, then firm down. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

— If your borders are not suitable for this half-hardy shrub (too cold in winter, heavy clay or moisture-retentive soil) or if the border isn't ready for planting, you should pot up your bare root shrub into a 20-30cm temporary pot so it can establish before transferring into a border later in the year. Or, plant into a 30cm patio container to keep as a container shrub which can be moved under cover for winter.

— When potting, use a good quality multipurpose or soil-based compost, ensuring the roots are fully submerged and the stem is exposed above the soil surface. Water thoroughly and allow it to grow in a sheltered, sunny position outside.

— If potting up to grow on prior to planting into a border, the shrub can be transplanted to a border once growth is established and the plant easily comes out of the pot with the soil held together in a root ball. When transferring into the garden, choose a position in full or partial shade with free-draining soil.

— Water straight away after planting and continue watering lightly and regularly for the first year while the shrub settles in. Once established, this drought-tolerant shrub will not require regular watering.

Aftercare

— This shrub is deciduous and will lose its leaves in autumn. At that point, it is necessary to protect from harsh frosts by moving the patio container under cover or, if it's in a border, monitoring the forecast and covering when frost is predicted.

— Punica is supplied while dormant and will not usually have any leaves on arrival. Leaves will emerge in spring from around March/April and they are usually a bronze hue to start with before turning green for summer.

— Avoid over-watering Punica as it will not tolerate consistently wet conditions. Keep the surrounding soil lightly damp while the shrub is settling in during the first growing season. Once it is more established, it prefers quite dry conditions and will cope well with drought.

— Routine pruning isn't typically required for Punica, a light trim after flowering is sufficient. Any dead or dying branches can be removed whenever needed, anytime between spring and autumn.

— Punica flowers in summer, but not always in the first year, it should however produce leaves. It is supplied in a dormant state in spring and will not usually have leaves on arrival, however foliage should begin to emerge by around late April.

Read further general instructions about planting bare-root shrubs